From a small shipyard in Italy’s Marche region to a global presence under the Ferretti Group, Pershing has remained true to its founding spirit - driven by speed, style, and an uncompromising approach to engineering.
A Brand Born from Vision and Velocity
Pershing’s story began in the early 1980s when three friends - Tilli Antonelli, Fausto Filippetti, and Giuliano Onori - founded Cantiere Navale dell’Adriatico. Initially focused on laminated wood boat repairs, the yard’s breakthrough came in 1985 with the launch of the Pershing 45. Designed in collaboration with Fulvio De Simoni, the model merged powerboat speed with motor yacht comfort.
That launch marked the beginning of a brand known for its distinctive silhouettes, rapid hulls, and attention to the onboard experience. Pershing’s reputation grew steadily through the 1990s, expanding internationally and joining the Ferretti Group in 1998. The partnership accelerated global growth, and with the 2012 investment by China’s Weichai Group, Pershing strengthened its reach in Asia and the Americas.
Today, the brand remains a mainstay at leading international shows, consistently unveiling models that reflect both market demand and technical foresight.
Milestone Models and Technical Breakthroughs
Over the past four decades, Pershing has introduced a series of forward-thinking technologies and model-firsts. These include early adoption of surface-piercing propeller systems, now a hallmark of Pershing performance, and the use of water jets paired with a gas turbine on the Pershing 115 in 2004, which delivered more than 5,100 horsepower.
The Pershing 108 debuted in 2011 with a triple engine setup, and successive models have continued to push the envelope on hull construction, weight reduction, and ride quality.
Interior design has been just as progressive. The brand pioneered features like the hydraulic gangway and concealed sliding glass doors, developed in partnership with Giovanni Besenzoni, and interiors now regularly feature collaborations with luxury Italian furniture houses such as Poltrona Frau. Carbon fiber staircases, frameless windshields, and the distinctive ‘Pershing wing’ have all become visual signatures of the fleet.
The Current Lineup: Generation X, GTX and a Flagship Superyacht
Pershing’s current fleet spans three distinct tiers, each engineered to deliver a different take on high-performance cruising. The Pershing Generation X series - ranging from the Pershing 5X through to the flagship Pershing 9X - remains the foundation of the brand, defined by sleek lines, ultra-lightweight construction, and integrated control systems that sharpen performance without compromising comfort.
The newer Pershing GTX range pushes that formula into more spacious, lifestyle-focused territory. The recently YachtBuyer reviewed entry-level Pershing GTX70 (21.76m) is a flybridge-equipped sport yacht that balances easy owner operation with a livable three-cabin layout. A standout feature is its transforming aft deck, where fold-out bulwarks and a three-level hydraulic platform extend the outdoor living area to 42 square meters.
-
BOAT TESTPershing GTX70 Review (2025 Edition)
Next in line, the Pershing GTX80 (29.98m) builds on the same philosophy with four guest cabins and a focus on indoor-outdoor connection. A carbon-fiber sundeck, walkaround widebody superstructure, and award-winning exterior styling reinforce the model’s role as a versatile cruiser with genuine owner-driver appeal.
-
BOAT TESTPershing GTX80 Review (2024 Edition)
At the top of the GTX range, the Pershing GTX116 (35.24m) bridges into superyacht territory, combining five guest cabins with a raised pilothouse layout and extensive deck spaces. A focus on style, seascape views, and fully custom interiors has helped this model gain recognition across the industry.
Crowning the fleet is the Pershing 140 (43.3m) - the brand’s first all-aluminum superyacht. Built in Ancona, it pairs coupé-style lines with hydro-jet propulsion and a standout beach club layout. With flexible interior arrangements and performance up to 38 knots, it encapsulates Pershing’s boldest design ambitions to date.
Four Decades in Mondolfo
Every Pershing yacht is constructed at the company’s facility in Mondolfo, designed by architect Sandro Sartini. Now spanning 84,000 square meters, the site includes four dedicated production halls, two paint booths, and a technical testing tank.
The facility features 27 parallel production stations and is capable of building yachts up to 36 meters in length, with one hall now fully dedicated to the GTX series. The shipyard’s finishing quality draws comparisons to high-end automotive standards, with certified dry painting systems from PPG ensuring a flawless result. Final testing is carried out onsite before yachts are launched at the nearby port of Fano.
As Pershing looks to the future, its focus remains firmly on performance, precision, and evolving the sport yacht experience. With nearly 200 yachts delivered and 10 more currently in build, according to YachtBuyer Intelligence - the world’s largest yacht database - the brand shows no signs of slowing down. Four decades on, Pershing continues to define the next generation of fast, stylish, and unmistakably Italian yachts.
Interested in owning a Pershing yacht? View all Pershing yachts for sale, updated via YachtBuyer MarketWatch. We scan the entire market to ensure access to all genuine listings, saving you time. Alternatively, browse all other yachts currently for sale.
